BRISTOL, U.K. — GDS named Chris Patton, a 12-year industry veteran, head of U.S. operations. With a background in stage electrics, Patton has held positions including export sales manager, divisional sales manager and business development manager, working within the West End theatre and touring rental markets. In his new position, Patton has been appointed to develop the GDS brand across North and South America. He will work with GDS distributor A.C.T Lighting, based at first in the U.K., then relocating to GDS’ New York office in August 2012.
“We welcome the appointment of Chis to the GDS team and are looking forward to working closely with him in further developing the brand across the USA,” said A.C.T Lighting’s Ben Saltzman.
“GDS are an incredibly forward thinking company with great people and great products. I am delighted to be joining the team and very much look forward to supporting A.C.T Lighting who are doing a great job of promoting the GDS brand in the U.S.,” Patton said. “As demand grows it is important that we support them with everything they need and I will be liaising closely with the whole team to ensure we do just that”
“We are delighted to welcome Chris to the GDS team and he will be an invaluable asset to the brand, with Chris’s knowledge of the industry and ability to adapt to international markets he is the perfect individual to represent GDS in both North America working closely with our North American Distributor ACT Lighting and South America creating new market opportunities for the company. GDS have been investing in the US market for several years and with ACT appointing Bill Groener and GDS appointing Chris Patton this partnership will continue to grow demand for GDS product and A.C.T’s excellent service.”
For more information, visit www.gds.uk.com.
